Virtual learning is making mum-of-two's dream career a reality

The Learning Institute has a robust online system so students can continue to study from home without disruptions

A mum-of-two from Poole in Dorset is on her way to a rewarding career in teaching - something she never thought was possible.

Nicolle Courtney discovered The Learning Institute from a teaching assistant at her child's school and realised that despite having a busy family life, she was able to fit her studies comfortably around her responsibilities as a parent.

For Nicolle, 28, The Learning Institute's way of working - a mixture of both online home working and face-to-face contact - fitted in perfectly with her family's routine.

And since lockdown, the online elements that have always been part of the The Learning Institute's delivery method have now become the norm, enabling continuation of study for all students, whilst remaining safe and supportive.

The Learning Institute implemented a new format in September 2019 in response to student feedback and an awareness of changing times.

It now combines live, online and face-to-face taught sessions and so when it became apparent that the Covid-19 crisis was potentially going to disrupt teaching, The Learning Institute was able to move swiftly and smoothly to delivering entirely online.

The use of live lectures for all students means there has been no interruptions to studies for Nicolle and her fellow students.

Nicolle told Devon Live: "I had always wanted to be a teacher but having not had the best experience of education myself, I opted to take a gap year after my A-levels.

"That gap year became two and then I found myself pregnant with my eldest child. I accepted at this point it was now not going to be a viable option to go to university.

"However, when my son started school his teaching assistant (who is currently finishing her third year with The Learning Institute) told me about the flexibility these degrees offered."

She added: "I went to an open evening and was really interested by the course content and how much more intimate they seemed compared to courses provided on a campus." 

One of the great benefits of studying with The Learning Institute according to its students is that there is a mixed delivery approach to learning meaning that no two days feel the same and if you have a busy home life, the course can fit around you.

With the coronavirus pandemic hitting the UK, The Learning Institute was able to act fast to reduce disruption.

"Some of our taught sessions are online and this has been the case since the start of the course," Nicolle said. "This means unlike some other course providers there was no 'transitional' process or the need to make preparations in order for our sessions to continue.

"Our lessons were moved online, with no sessions missed, and no need to train staff or students to use the online platforms." 

Having two children, Nicolle felt the biggest barrier she had to being able to return to education was time.

"Aside from the one scheduled taught session a week and two student conferences over the year - whilst there is an expectation to have a work placement, complete home learning and produce assignments - as long as they are completed on time I get to pick when I do them."

She said that The Learning Institute provides a healthy model of how people should learn which in turn keeps students motivated.

"It is very much a case of getting out what you put in, " Nicolle said. "This does not mean you have to hunch over a laptop endlessly. Some weeks I could do more than what is expected and then others as a result I can do less, in order to fit in family commitments. It is very much on my terms."

Nicolle's taken a lot from the course but what she has enjoyed most is meeting people who come with a range of different experiences.

"Some are studying mental health and work for charities, others work in schools which can be very different due to their location and we are able to create a pool of knowledge between us.

"Also the content, due to there being four degrees being studied in unison, is really varied and unique. So whilst I entered this with an idea of what I wanted to learn, I have found that I have had access to learning opportunities that have been unexpected and really interesting."

Accredited by The University of Worcester, The Learning Institute delivers Foundation Degrees in Mental Health and Well-being of Children and Young People, Learning and Education, Inclusive Education and Early Years Professional. These are all offered in local centres across the South West.

The Learning Institute provided support from the outset for Nicolle who says she often feels she needs reassurance as someone who has returned to school after having children.

"The tutors are always approachable when I have a concern or am not entirely confident with a piece of work. There is no feeling of it’s 'us' (students) and 'them' (tutors), so even if I am just looking for some reassurance, especially in the current climate, there is no awkwardness in sending them an email."

She added: "I would recommend the Learning and Education course, because I feel the content, it’s delivery and the support provided throughout by both fellow learners and staff is unparalleled.

"You really get to know the staff/tutors and there is a real flexibility that these courses provide that you would not see studying full time on a campus. You’re encouraged to explore the areas you would like to explore and can do it when it is convenient for you."

When asked what her message to others who are considering joining the course would be, Nicolle said: "If I was asked to reassure another student, what I would say is, it is very much a case of getting out of it what you put in but to even be considering it shows they have the interest and motivation required and is a huge step in itself.

"All I can do is talk from my experience which has been an amazing one. I have absolutely no regrets. I am still able to do the things I did before, whether that be working or a day out with my family.

"And the fact I hadn’t done any learning for some time did not place me at a disadvantage either, as we also complete a module in study skills, providing us with the tools and skills needed from day one."

In the future, Nicolle hopes to complete a full degree and be able to obtain qualified teacher status. From here she plans to become a primary school teacher.

But later in life she hopes to work in the civil service, helping to shape child or educational policy.

For more information about courses at The Learning Institute, visit the website, here.